The course introduces the students to global challenges in front of good governance and law in Russia.

The course introduces the students to global challenges in front of good governance and law in Russia, such as corruption, non-transparency and informality. The course examines development of Russian legal system in the context of global law. Students learn about the development of the Russian legal system in connection with globalization and modernization, with consideration of various issues that have arisen in Russia's aspiration to change from an authoritarian regime to a rule-or-law state. In addition, the students focus on what, how and why global indicators of governance shape wider understandings of Russia and its position vis-á-vis global normative and ethical standards.

The student acquires an ability to examine how Russian legal system operates vis-à-vis globalization and modernization, and an understanding of global indicators of governance, specifically focusing on good governance, the rule of law and corruption indicators, and Russia’s position in these global indicators. The student gains an understanding of how the global indicators of governance are produced, disseminated and contested and their implications for understanding societal transformation and modernization processes in Russia. The student gains skills and knowledge to situate and analyse Russia´s governance trajectories in a global context.

Kupper, Herbert (2013). The Concept of Multi-Layered Statehood in the System of Russian Federalism, Review of Central and East European Law 38 (3/4): 239-266.

Stephan, Paul B. (2012). The Impact of the Cold War on Soviet and US Law: Reconsidering the Legacy, in The Legal Dimension in Cold War Interactions: Some Notes form the Field, ed. William Simons and Tatiana Borisova, Leiden: Brill, 141-158.

Kahn, Jeffrey (2005). Search for the Rule of Law in Russia, Georgia Journal of International Law, 37, 353 .

Kathryn Hendley (2011). Varieties of Legal Dualism: Makin Sense of the Rule of Law in Contemporary Russia, Wisconsin International Law Journal, 29, 233

Cooley, A. (2017). Examining Development of E-Government in Russia and China: A Comparative Approach. International Journal of Public Administration, 1-10.

The course includes lectures, as well as individual work. A student can miss one classroom meeting. Students read additional materials before each lecture. Each classroom meeting includes 30 minutes of discussion during which students should participate. Before the second part of the course, students submit a 1 page reflection paper based on the World Bank (2017), World Development Report, (pages pages 1-37, and 83-101) http://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2017. The students write an essay of 2500 words, based on the course readings and present their papers in the seminar.

Assessment

The grading scale of the course is 0-5. The highest grade is 5 and the lowest passing grade is 1. The assessment is based on an individual essay and a seminar presentation.

Compulsory for students in Russian Studies Master´s programme. Offered as optional for all students of the University of Helsinki.

Prerequisites

Orientation to Russian Studies and Methods and Theories for students in Russian Studies Master´s programme.

Learning outcomes

Student identifies normative and ethical questions that are connected to global challenges. Student is able to relate different disciplinary based approaches to the topic. Student understands multi-/interdisciplinary approach in practice and is able to recognize different disciplinary approaches in the analysis norms and ethics in the context of Russia.

Timing

First year/period I or II.

Contents

This course takes a normative and ethical perspective asking “why?” questions, i.e. why global challenges of resilience and sustainability are imperative for all nations, including Russia.

Study materials

List of required literature can be given in advance. Literature and other materials can be delivered in the course.

Activities and teaching methods in support of learning

The course will be based on lectures and/or group work. The group work can be organised on the basis of problem-based learning.

Assessment practices and criteria

The assessment of the course is based on participation and/or producing essay(s) and/or learning diary and/or group works. The grading of the course is 0-5.